The first step for adding machine embroidery to fabric or “ready-mades” is to hoop the fabric. Sounds simple, yet with each different fabric type and/or shape of the project, there are valuable tips and techniques that make that hooping process simple. My Sewing With Nancy guest and professional embroiderer Marie Zinno and I give you five lessons during the first episode of Hoop It Up—Guide to Successful Embroidery. We hope you’ll follow along.

A Lesson on Hooping a Onesie

Learn how to stabilize, hoop, and embroider a blanket, burp cloth, bib, hooded towel, and onesie. You can easily watch online to see all the tricks of the trade. I thought I’d share one of the lessons with you—hooping a onesie—to show you that we have lots of tricks up our sleeves.

Step one: Stabilize the knit fabric.

Fuse a large piece of afusible cutaway stabilizer to the wrong side of the knit fabric. Later, the stabilizer will be trimmed down to size. The large fused area improves the hooping results.

Step Two: Determine placement of the design.

Use a template designed for onesies to a achieve spot-on placement.

Align the template with the neckline shape and center front of the onesie. This template is one of 16 templates found in The Children’s Perfect Placement Kit. If you’ve ever embroidered a design lower, higher, or off center, you’ll appreciate using these handy templates.

Position a Target Sticker within the opening.

Step Three: Nest the onesie around the hoop.

Use a Hoop Guard to keep the nested fabric from getting in the way of the embroidery needle. It’s a great investment if you plan on embroidering many small, ready-made items. The Hoop Guard is placed on the “north” end of the hoop. Watch online as Marie preps the hoop for embroidery.

Use strips of painter’s tape to keep the remaining fabric out of the stitching field.

The random winner of the Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes DVD, from Nancy’s Notions, is Laurie. Here’s Laurie’s comment: “I like the blue, but I have to say I love the black one! It would be a wonderful birthday present! (Tomorrow) Thanks ladies for the great design ideas!”

93 Comments

I would Love to win the Hoop gift. This will be, my first time to embroidered anything and with 8 nieces and nephews I would Love to personalize clothes as gifts. Thanking you in advance.

M B PazdernikJuly 29, 2016

Hooping onsies is very challenging under size 6 months. And preemies – no way! But I did do a few preemie kimono style tops which the parents loved.

RachelJuly 9, 2016

I’ve been embroidering for a long time. I watched this show and still learned some very helpful hints on hooping.
My favorite baby item to make and give are burping cloths and small quilts.

Janet WeirauchFebruary 4, 2016

I have bought some supplies but was afaid of hooping the onesies this sure helps. Thank you again.

Nancy E JohnsonFebruary 1, 2016

Burp clothes and blankets.

Fran RhineJanuary 28, 2016

Thanks Marie and Nancy to get me off my excuses of not trying something new. I am so excited about these Blogs.
Best Regards, Fran

Becky stainsJanuary 28, 2016

I like to embroider an elephant and the baby’s name on a car seat cover. Also towels and washcloths with the baby’s name.

Linda MoralesJanuary 28, 2016

I normally just do bibs,and burp cloths but would love to learn to do other items. I have had to remove threads because the product was not centered like I thought. This video is awesome……thank you and if you only lived nearby my experience would improve greatly. I LOVE these helpful shows!!!!!!

I was wondering if you would be willing to tell about the different Babylock machines and how they are used. I would like to know before I buy one. Our TV station is Maryland Public Television. Thank you and I love your show.

Also: How much is the book you are selling about your life?
I didn’t see it listed.

Nancy ZiemanJanuary 27, 2016

Hi Marge,
I only have two Baby Lock Machines at my office. With sewing time limited, Baby Lock dealers know much more about the unique features of each machine. I’d urge you to take time for a review at your local store. You could also get a summary of the machines online at babylock.com.

I have embroidered ready-made baby blankets and home made flannel receiving blankets. I embroider on a coordinating fabric with a design or baby names and then add it when complete because I find it easier in case of mistakes and the underside of the embroidery is not seen or exposed to baby’s skin.

Robin CrittendenJanuary 26, 2016

I have only embroidered a couple baby things. Hooping was the hardest because it’s so little. Would love either of these prizes.

KayJanuary 24, 2016

I love to make anything for babies. I embroidered burp cloths, blankets and also, I love to quilt, I have made a few baby quilts and receiving blankets. I embroidered several Christmas presents including scarfs, pillows, t-shirts. I loved the episodes on quilting, tee shirts remakes, and the hooping was most informative. Love it.

MaryJanuary 24, 2016

I would like to make bibs and burp cloths! Love the ideas.

Rosemary O'KorenJanuary 24, 2016

I love to embroider the bottom of the onsies.

Carol YJanuary 24, 2016

I love the step by step instructions. Step by step to perfect placement!

Karen McDonnerJanuary 23, 2016

How cute and very timely. I’m making burp clothes, bibs and onsies so this is so wonderful. Downloaded and ready to go. Thank you Nancy!

pamJanuary 23, 2016

I gift custom baby quilts for family and friends which is what I embroider most often.

Karrie SmithJanuary 23, 2016

I’m researching to buy an embroidery machine and this book will be perfect for me!!!

LindaC in AZJanuary 22, 2016

I would love to learn how to hoop onesies to embroider. They would make great gifts. So far my favorite baby items to embroider have been bibs.

Grace NiederlehnerJanuary 22, 2016

I like embroidering bibs, burp cloths, and blankets. I haven’t succeeded in hooping small shirts.

AdeciaJanuary 22, 2016

Embroidered onesies are always a go to gift.

EllJanuary 22, 2016

Bibs allow a bit of creativity, so they are my favorite.

CindyJanuary 22, 2016

I like to make the burp cloths and can use all the help I can get when it comes to embroidery!

JanJanuary 22, 2016

Bibs. Mothers always need bibs.

evelynJanuary 22, 2016

Onesies, new grandbaby coming in June. Need to learn how to do this for all 5.

evelynJanuary 22, 2016

Onesies, grandbaby coming in June. New to learn how to do this.

TinaJanuary 22, 2016

I am planning to get a machine that embroiders very soon! These tips will be very helpful for a newbie to embroidering. I would love to do some bibs. Thank you.

BrendaJanuary 22, 2016

I love to embroider bibs.

JanaeJanuary 22, 2016

I really enjoy doing the onesies! Baby gowns are my second favorite, if they have zippers on the side.

Joyce FitzgeraldJanuary 21, 2016

I have been making a simply bag for baby gifts for over 10 yrs , I love embroidering the baby’s name on the pocket,

Debra ReberJanuary 21, 2016

My favorite baby items to embroider are blankets & bibs

claudia orozcoJanuary 21, 2016

I love making bibs with matching burp cloths

Susan TJanuary 21, 2016

Bibs made from tea towels.

KimJanuary 21, 2016

I usually make a baby quilt with flannel on the back, then make burp cloths out of the same flannel. I embroider both the burp cloths and label for the quilt.

JanJanuary 21, 2016

I absolutely love to embroider anything for babies! You name it — bibs, onesies, blankets — anything. The baby things are usually quick and easy and so cute. All the tips are great. Thank you, one and all.

KayZeeJanuary 21, 2016

I like to embroider burp cloths and receiving blankets.

KarenJanuary 21, 2016

I make and embroider hooded baby towels and burp clothes and bibs.

BettyJanuary 21, 2016

I love making and embroidering one-of-a-kind baby quilts for my ‘great’ nieces and nephews when they are born. I’ve just started embroidering on onesies and love the tips you’ve shared – they will certainly make them easier now. Thanks ladies.

Jeanette KrebsJanuary 21, 2016

I enjoy embroidering burp cloths or hand towels.

sJanuary 21, 2016

My daughter loves embroidering burp cloths. This book would be perfect for her to learn more and to branch out to other items.

deirdre dorrJanuary 21, 2016

I would love to embroider onesies. I’m going to pick up a view before this snowstorm blows in!

Lillian KJanuary 21, 2016

I enjoy embroidering on Burp Cloths, Bibs and baby T-shirts. This book would be perfect.

Gail BeamJanuary 21, 2016

Baby towels, diapers, burp cloths and blankets are my favorite baby items to embroider, because they are the easiest to not make a mistake on.

Louise BaconJanuary 21, 2016

I love to do baby quilts.

Louise BaconJanuary 21, 2016

Baby quilts

MartyJanuary 21, 2016

Small ‘security blanket’ attached to cuddle toy is my ideal to personalize with embroidered baby’s name.

Terri DavisJanuary 21, 2016

I like embroidering plain, ready to embroider bibs. Easy-peasy and a quick gift idea.

Jane KJanuary 21, 2016

My favorite ting to make are bibs. I have made them for all the babies in my family, and they (and their parents) love them!

Joyce brownJanuary 21, 2016

Love this info on hooping onesies! It will definitely come in handy for the embroidering I will do for my new grandson! I like to embroider lots of baby things…blankets, bibs, shirts, diaper covers, stuffed animals and ornaments! Sew fun!! Thanks for this opportunity!

Belinda BraeulerJanuary 21, 2016

I’ve only embroidered on baby quilts, but my first grandchild was just born and I want to make bibs and burp cloths, as well as onsies.

Cheryl DodsonJanuary 21, 2016

I make quilts for my grandchildren and I embroider their name on each quilt.

Cheryl DodsonJanuary 21, 2016

My favorite baby item to embroidery are bibs. I also embroider my grandchildren’s names on quilts I make for them.

LynnJanuary 21, 2016

I have some onesies in my future.

JudithJanuary 21, 2016

I have a new embroidery machine, and I have been wanting to start making things for my grandchildren. “The Hoop It Up” is such a great how to instructions. It makes it look like a good starting place to learn machine embroidery. The Magnetic hoop looks like it makes the process much easier.

Sandra GoodickJanuary 21, 2016

Most of my baby embroidery is done for Quiet Books. I am super interested in embroidering onsies.

VickiJanuary 21, 2016

I love to do baby bibs! But I starting one baby hooded towels and blankets! I would love to embroider onesies but am afraid of the hooping so now I need to give it a try! Thanks, Nancy and Marie, for the lesson

Janet BryantJanuary 21, 2016

I have embroidered onesies and other children’s clothing items. The hooping is the hardest. I would love to win this book! Thank you Nancy for all the things I have learned from you over the years!

So far, I have only embroidered baby quilts, but I would love to learn to embroider the onesies and also t-shirts. I have 4 grandchildren who would looovvveee to have Grandma make their clothes special! Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!

Nelda JohnsonJanuary 21, 2016

I really enjoy embroidering onesies! I use my hoop guard and printers tape often. I also like personalizing what I call receiving blankets that I sew from two pieces of fabric, either two pieces of flannel or one of flannel and one of minkie, or fleece or other super soft fabric.

VeronicaJanuary 21, 2016

I live in Florida and love to have hood Bach cover-ups for the grandchildren when they visit. Embroidering something personal for each one is wonderful!

I have Cuddle Buddies but have not embroidered any. I love your ideas for baby items as a great grandma I now have fun ideas to work with. I love the tips on oneies I never realized the benefits of fusible stabilizer. I also see the benefit of the placement templates. Thanks

Mary Jo ManethJanuary 21, 2016

I love to personalize burb rags

Margaret ColemanJanuary 21, 2016

I love to embroider burp cloths that I make, also bibs

Margaret ColemanJanuary 21, 2016

I love to embroider burp cloths that I make, also bibs.

BernitaJanuary 21, 2016

I haven’t had a need to embroider on baby items since I got my embroidery machine a couple of months ago, but I do now. I have a new great niece/nephew coming and am so excited that this blog came out at this time. Plan on doing lots of burp cloths, bibs and onsies for this new little one!

LynnJanuary 21, 2016

Thank you for showing me how to hoop the onesie! I have struggled with that in the past. I would like to learn how to embroider correctly on onesies and make some for my new little grandbaby due in August!

SharieJanuary 21, 2016

I love to embroider on hooded towels. I make my own and do the embroidery on the towel portion so you see it when the baby or toddler is all wrapped up

DorothyJanuary 21, 2016

I like to gift new parents with embroidered burp cloths. They’re fun and useful.

GeorgieannJanuary 21, 2016

My favorite baby items to embroider are bibs and burps! I have used premade and contructed my own as well depending on time and project theme. As a result of the great tips on your video I will try onesies too! Thank you….

SusanJanuary 21, 2016

I loved all the tips but I especially liked the tips on hooping onesies since we have a new baby coming.

NellieJanuary 21, 2016

Burp cloths! My first child needed lots of these. I love to put cute designs and cute sayings on them and supply the mom with lots and lots to have on hand. Some cuties need them more than others, believe me, I know!

CarolynJanuary 21, 2016

I am just beginning to use an embroidery sewing machine. I have a new grandson and would love to embroider cute bibs.

eginterJanuary 21, 2016

I was never able to take lessons on how to use my embroidery,so now am trying to learn how,does anyone have any ideas,I do have the book!

marie hannaganJanuary 21, 2016

I like embroidering baby blankets with Baby’s name, date of birth, and weight as baby gifts. They are always well received.
I get my blankets from Nancy’s Notions.

Grannie ConnieJanuary 21, 2016

I’m new to embroidery by machine. So far I’ve only embroidered bibs and towels. I’m looking forward to adding onsies to the list and even more items. Thanks so much for your excellent lessons.

Diane CJanuary 21, 2016

My favorite baby items to embroider are bibs and Christmas stockings.

Vickie FoxJanuary 21, 2016

I have had my machine for a few years but had no time to sit and learn, self-taught, the hard way. Now that I have recently retired, I am so looking forward to learning from your videos, TV show, and other avenues of tips. Would love to win! Thanks for your experienced advice. Happy Sewing!

Jean TaylorJanuary 21, 2016

I am new to machine ebroidery, but m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first great-grandchild. Either of these would be really helpful in making one-of-a-kind items for the shower. I.d really like to win either one. Thank you for the opportunity.

Pamela CookJanuary 21, 2016

I love to embroider on baby quilts. But, after seeing all these ideas, I may be changing my mind to onesies!!

Mary BennettJanuary 21, 2016

. I like to embroider baby blankets using a blanket with a double layer, Would love to learn to do onesies

Jan WilsonJanuary 21, 2016

I haven’t had much luck embroidering on baby items. But with this Hoop it Up-Guide to Successful Embroidery I will have to try the onesie again. I have a package of remaining onesies that I didn’t use because I ruined 2 of them and gave up. I have done bibs and burp cloths that turned out great but then they are easy to hoop.

CathyJanuary 21, 2016

I do embroidery work for a local retail business. The bulk of what I do is monogramming clutches. I also monogram small to large bags(cosmetic, totes) and decorative towels. Occasionally I get to monogram fun things and sometimes that includes a baby item. I think I like putting names on baby caps the best. They are so adorable and popular. I have never owned an embroidery machine, so I had a lot to learn when I was asked to take this job. The embroidery machine I work on is a Baby Lock Enterprise. I’m the only one there that knows how to operate it so any helpful hints are much appreciated!

Joanne DillonJanuary 21, 2016

Thanks for the valuable information on embroidering on onsies and other tiny items for new critters in the family. I love embroidering birth information on minkie baby blankets, always welcomed by the new mothers.

PennyJanuary 21, 2016

I love to embroider onesies and I do use and love the Children’s Perfect Placement Kit. I also like to embroider baby blankets using a blanket with a double layer, to be able to ‘unstitch’ a side, do embroidery, and then restitch the seam, so there is no embroidery on the ‘back’ side of the blanket. (clear as mud I am sure)

LyndaJanuary 21, 2016

I love to make baby bibs especially for each holiday. I like the bibs with colored trim to highlight the design.

E. AnnJanuary 21, 2016

Love the burp pads!! Need so many of these. I make these to go with blanket sets, will be including embroidery on these now that I have my Babylock emb machine. Fun, fun!! Thanks for the info.

IlanaJanuary 21, 2016

Thanks for the timely info. I’m planning to embroider a onesie this weekend. I haven’t embroidered much for babies yet but I imagine I’m going to love it all.

My wife embroiders on everything that she makes for the grandkids. From quilts to burp rags to onesies to outfits. It really add a loving touch and the grandkids really like it because it is personalized.

You may want to fuse a layer of soft interfacing or stabilizer on the inside of the onsie after embroidering and trimming to protect that delicate skin. I embroider a quilt for each of the babies in my life. Love all the tips.